Chapter 10 — The Score
Evelyn sat across from me, legs crossed, one arm draped over the back of the couch in Lizzie's VIP lounge.
A shard gleamed between her fingers — business mode.
But her eyes…
They lingered on me a fraction longer than necessary.
She slid the shard across the table.
"Job's simple."
I leaned back, fingers drumming slow on the table.
"Funny. People usually say that right before it turns into a goddamn mess."
Evelyn gave a soft laugh.
"Maybe. Or maybe you just haven't worked with the right people yet."
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[System Notice: Evelyn Parker — Interest +5 — Tease Exchange Successful]
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I picked up the shard — letting my fingers brush hers in the motion.
A faint spark there — electric, undeniable.
I slid the shard into my port.
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Visuals lit up in my HUD — floorplans, target intel, encrypted overlays.
"Konpeki Plaza," Evelyn said, voice low.
"The target's Yorinobu Arasaka. His personal relic."
I raised a brow.
"Breaking into Arasaka's penthouse suite…
Yeah. Real simple."
Evelyn leaned forward — her hand settling lightly on my knee.
"Simple… for you."
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[System Notice: Evelyn Parker — Physical Contact Initiated — Interest +10]
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I smirked, not breaking eye contact.
"Flattery, Parker? Thought you weren't the type."
Evelyn's lips curled.
"Consider it… incentive."
I let my hand rest lightly over hers — not gripping… yet.
"Keep that up… and I might start expecting more than just a payday."
Her eyes didn't waver.
"Who says you shouldn't?"
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The tension pulled tight again — not the staged kind.
The kind that snapped when you least expected.
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I leaned in, voice dropping to a near-whisper.
"Hope you're ready to pay in full."
Evelyn smiled slow.
"Darling… I always do."
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[System Notice: Evelyn Parker — Interest +10 — Seduction Level Holding Strong]
[Main Quest Updated: The Heist — Ready for Dex Briefing]
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Evelyn rose, turning toward the door, hips swaying with deliberate grace.
"See you soon, Alaric."
I watched her go — and didn't miss the quick glance she threw over her shoulder.
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In this city, most people played for money…
I played for something much more dangerous.
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Romance Targets After Chapter 10 Recap:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +115 — Stage 3: Heated Flirtation & Touch Barrier Broken
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +45 — Stage 2: Guarded but Intrigued